December 19, 2017

The death of Kim Jonghyun, the lead singer of Korean pop band SHINee, shocked the whole world—whether or not you’re a K-pop fan. The world lost another talented artist and it may have been a suicide.

Jonghyun was found unconscious in his own apartment in Cheongdam-dong. He was rushed to the nearby hospital under cardiac arrest where they performed emergency CPR. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead. Police reports say that he is believed to have died from toxic fumes as they found burnt coal briquettes in his kitchen.

His sister made the initial call to the responders after she believed that her brother might commit suicide. She told the police that she got text messages that alluded to his last farewell. “Please let me go. Tell me I did well,” read one of his messages.

“We are sorry to deliver such heartbreaking and unfortunate news. On December 18, SHINee member Jonghyun suddenly left us,” said the statement released by SHINee’s record label, SM Entertainment. “Jonghyun was the best artist who loved music more than anyone and gave his all on the stage. It is heartbreaking to deliver such sad news to the fans who loved him.”

Fans, even from different fandoms, mourned the death of Jonghyun and posted tributes of him through Twitter. They also often used the hashtag #MyMentalHealthIn5Words.

RIP Jonghyun 😭 Was just watching a bunch of your videos last night. If any of you are struggling, please talk to someone. You are not alone. Believe me, the world is a better place with you in it #Jonghyun#MyMentalHealthIn5Words

Take a break for yourself. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
Rest in Peace Jonghyun. Stay strong SHINee, Shawol and his family. He will be forever missed. Take care of yourself. Stay healthy and remember it’s easier with someone by your side. 🙏😔 종현 고인의 명복 💜
~From the BTS A.R.M.Y.